Starting June 5, United Airlines will begin Non-Stop Year-Round flights between NewYork/Newark (EWR) and Cape Town International Airport (CPT).
This flight resumption which previously was to be operated as a seasonal service is a major boost to South Africa’s tourism and will be served three times per week utilising the 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft with capacity for 48 United Polaris business class seats, 21 United Premium Plus seats, 39 Economy Plus seats and 149 Economy seats.
“By offering flights to Cape Town year-round, we’re making it even easier for our customers to visit one of the world’s best destinations,” said Patrick Quayle, United’s senior vice-president of international network planning and alliances.
“United’s direct flights from New York/Newark cut the usual travel time to Cape Town by more than five hours, giving visitors extra time to enjoy the beauty and majesty of South Africa.”
“This announcement provides much-needed relief to the tourism and hospitality sector in the Western Cape and will support economic recovery in the province,” said Wrenelle Stander, CEO of the trade and tourism promotion agency Wesgro.
“We welcome the news of this expansion and thank United Airlines for their commitment to serving this world-class tourism destination.”
The company had launched this service between Newark International Airport (EWR) and Cape Town in December 2019, and the popularity of the destination made it one of the most important in Africa.
The airline subsequently built on this success to become the largest North American carrier on that continent, with flights between Newark and Johannesburg (JNB) opening in June 2021 , new service between Washington/Dulles (IAD) and Accra (ACC) , Ghana, in May 2021 and between Washington/Dulles and Lagos (LOS), Nigeria, in November 2021.
The resumption of United’s flight between Newark and Cape Town (CPT) was previously pushed several times due to the pandemic induced restrictions, having been planned to return in October last year, which later was re-scheduled to Dec. 1 — the beginning of South Africa’s summer.
United is the only airline to fly nonstop from the U.S. to Cape Town and offers more flights to South Africa than any other North American carrier.
Image: @aviator_nic on IG
